Weapons Charges Lawyer Wayne County

Firearms, Guns and Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, we understand that money is valuable and anything you spend on legal fees is less that you can save for your family. By the same token, we also understand that having expert criminal defense representation that can help you get the best possible result is an invaluable investment.

Best Weapons Defense Lawyers for Wayne County

If you’ve been charged with any offense involving an alleged weapon in Wayne County, the prosecutor and the judge will be taking your case very seriously. If you have a defense attorney that is not just as serious, you are in big trouble. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have decades of experience successfully defending clients charged in Wayne County with felony and misdemeanor weapons charges. We will take your case seriously and do whatever is necessary to give you the best possible defense.

What is a weapon?

There are basically two types of weapons. The first type of weapon are those objects that are designed to be used as a weapon like knives, swords, tasers, pistols, rifles, and other firearms. The second type of weapons are items that are not designed to be a weapon but are used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage. Examples of the second type of weapon are really limitless but common items used as a weapon include baseball bats, pipes, dishes/glasses, cars and more.

Weapons Charges in Wayne County

Carrying a Concealed Weapon – A person carries a concealed weapon when he has a weapon in his clothing that is not visible, in a container that is not visible or in a vehicle that is visible or not. The maximum possible sentence for CCW is 5 years in prison and up to 5 years on probation.

Illegal Discharge of a Weapon – A weapon is discharged illegally when it is fired in a way that is deemed “reckless” or “unsafe.” Firing a gun to celebrate a holiday, inside a building or in a crowded area can all result in being charged with illegal discharge of a weapon. In some cases, a gun might have discharged by accident and a felony charges is still filed.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm – A person with a prior state or federal felony conviction may not possess a firearm unless he or she has had their civil rights restored. A first conviction for possession of a firearm by a felon is punishable by up to 4 years in prison and up to 5 years on probation.

Carrying a Firearm or Dangerous Weapon with Unlawful Intent – It is illegal in Michigan to possess a pistol or other firearm, or a pneumatic gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument with the intent to commit a crime against another person. This offense carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 5 years.

Illegal Possession of a Firearm – There really is no charged called “Illegal Possession of a Firearm”; however, people often use this generic phrase to refer to a charge of Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, or Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Possession of Firearms on Certain Premises – It is against Michigan law to carry a firearm or gun into certain buildings, including hospitals, courthouses, post offices, and schools. Although many people do not realize, this prohibition extends even to those that have a lawful concealed weapons permit (CPL). Possession of a firearm on a prohibited premises can result in a misdemeanor charge and jail time of up to 90 days.

Felony Firearm – A conviction for using a firearm during the commission of a felony results in mandatory prison time. A first offense carries a mandatory prison sentence of 2 years that run consecutive (before or after) any other sentence imposed. These cases are extremely serious and only a highly qualified and experienced lawyer has a chance of successfully defending against this type of charge.

Possession of an Illegal Weapon – It is legal in Michigan to possess certain “weapons” such as pepper spray, knives, hunting rifles, etc… On the other hand, certain weapons are illegal and the simple possession of such weapons is a felony punishable by prison time. Examples of illegal weapons include machine guns, grenades, pipe bombs, brass knuckles, and chemical weapons.

Manufacture or Sale of an Illegal Firearm or Accessory – It is illegal in Michigan to manufacture or sell a machine gun, silencer, metallic knuckles, gas weapon and much more. The manufacture or sale of any of these items is a serious felony that is likely to result in prison time without a very aggressive defense.

Experienced and Effective Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office handles weapons and firearms cases differently than any other county in Michigan. For example, the prosecutor has a special “Gun Board” with policies and practices that only an adept and skilled lawyer would know how to successfully navigate. Each member of the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience working with Wayne County prosecutors in getting weapons charges dismissed and reduced. We have achieved unparalleled success in helping clients avoid jail and convictions in many cases.